Give Apply Now
Give Apply Now

Cato Campus

Located near University City and Harrisburg, Cato Campus is where innovation meets opportunity, offering hands-on learning in architecture, business, horticulture, interpreter education, technology and more to prepare students for Charlotte’s fastest-growing careers.

Stop by the Cato Campus Welcome Center to learn about programs, get assistance with applying, or explore campus resources.
Cato I Lobby
8120 Grier Road
Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Walk-ins welcome—no appointment needed!

Get directions Book a tour
Counseling Services

Highlights

Cato campus

Cato Amphitheater

Discover, create, and connect at the Amphitheater. Featuring stadium-style seating for 200 around a central plaza, this unique outdoor venue is home to student performances, concerts, competitions, and campus events. Its signature Compass creates a distinctive setting for gatherings and celebrations, while faculty can bring learning outdoors for classes and hands-on experiences. With excellent natural acoustics, evening lighting, and a scenic tree-lined approach, the Amphitheater is a campus favorite.

Cato architectural design studio

Architecture studio

Design the spaces of tomorrow in our spacious, collaborative architecture studio. Equipped with professional workstations, drafting and modeling areas, design software, large-format printers, and 3D printers, students transform ideas into reality. Through hands-on projects, students create architectural drawings, build scale models, solve real-world design challenges, and develop the technical and creative skills needed for careers in architecture and design.

Cato Greenhouse

Greenhouses and green spaces

Explore, create, and grow in Cato Campus’s vibrant greenhouses and beautifully maintained green spaces. These living laboratories provide horticulture students with hands-on experience in plant cultivation, landscape design, greenhouse operations, and sustainable growing practices. Students learn by doing in real-world environments while developing the skills needed for careers in horticulture, landscaping, and environmental stewardship—all within a campus setting that reflects innovation, sustainability, and the beauty of the natural world.

Programs

Explore all Cato Campus programs

Architectural Technology

Build skills in architectural design and technical drawing for residential and commercial projects. Learn to create plans and 3D models using CAD and BIM tools while supporting architects and construction teams.
Architectural Technology
Central Piedmont student in shop, surrounding by building materials, assembling timber scale model of building.

Horticulture

Learn plant science, landscape design and sustainable horticulture practices. Develop skills in growing plants, maintaining landscapes and managing outdoor environments for careers in landscaping, agriculture and environmental services.
Horticulture Technology
Horticulture student watering trays of potted plants in a campus greenhouse
A Central Piedmont business student in the library with the professor

Business Administration

Get the skills you need to start a career in business. Programs build foundational knowledge in management, operations and problem-solving. Whether you want a business degree, a transfer pathway or a career-focused credential, these offerings open doors across industries.
Business Administration
Fuel your day at the Catalyst Coffee Bar, find books and Central Piedmont gear in the bookstore, access study resources in the library, and connect through Student Life activities—all at Cato Campus.
Library of Cato campus

Contact & Directions

Campus Map (PDF)

Content grid

Campus hours

Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. 

Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m./end of last class

Cato Campus map and parking locations

Download the map (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

For schedule information and to buy tickets once you know which route to take, download the CATS Pass app or visit the CATS website.

Ready to make Cato Campus your academic home?

Apply Tour campus